The daily wage of plantation workers will be increased to Rs. 1,750 before the end of this year, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake stated today (12) while speaking at an event in Bandarawela.
He stated this during the launch of the Stage 2 of the Indian Housing Project Phase IV, which was held at the Bandarawela Municipal Council, where 2,000 beneficiaries were awarded house ownership deeds.
At the event, the President extended his gratitude to the Prime Minister and the people of India, as well as to the Indian High Commissioner in Sri Lanka, for the continued support extended by the Government of India to improve the economic and social wellbeing of the Sri Lankans through several projects.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake also emphasized that the Malayagam community contributed to strengthening the national economy for nearly 202 years through their hard work and perseverance.
The President said the government is committed to further strengthening and ensuring the economic and social upliftment of the Malayagam community.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake further stated :
“This plantation community contributes a significant share of labor. At the same time, they have lived under extremely difficult conditions for over 202 years. Therefore, as a government, we have a responsibility to ensure they are provided with their basic needs and a dignified life. We are focusing on several key areas in this regard. One is the provision of land and housing ownership, which is a responsibility of the state. The second is ensuring a fair wage. For a long time, they have been demanding a daily wage of Rs. 1,750. One way or another, we are committed to granting that right within this year.”
Meanwhile, High Commissioner Santosh Jha underscored that the 14,000 houses being constructed as part of Phases III & IV of IHP represent India’s firm commitment to working with the Government of Sri Lanka for uplifting and empowering the Indian Origin Tamil community in Sri Lanka. In this regard, he highlighted various initiatives in addition to the housing project to promote education, healthcare and socio-economic development in the plantation regions, including under the special package worth INR 750 million announced in July 2023 to mark 200 years of the arrival of the community in Sri Lanka.
The event was also attended High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka – Santosh Jha, Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure – Samantha Viddyarathna, Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources – Ramalingam Chandrasekar, Deputy Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure – Sundaralingam Pradeep, Deputy Minister of Tourism – Ruwan Ranasinghe, Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs – Dinindu Saman Kumara, Governors of Uva and Sabaragamuwa Provinces, Members of Parliament, and other regional officials.
The Indian Housing Project (IHP) figures among the largest development initiatives undertaken by India overseas. It encompasses an overall commitment of the Government of India to build 60,000 houses for Sri Lankan beneficiaries with grant assistance worth over INR 18 billion. A total of 46,000 houses were constructed and renovated in the Northern and Eastern provinces under the first two phases of the project. Phase III, encompassing 4,000 houses for the plantation regions, is almost complete.
Phase IV, announced by Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi during his visit to Sri Lanka in 2017, envisages construction of another 10,000 houses for the plantation community. Of these, 1,300 houses under Stage 1 are in various stages of completion.
Under Stage 2, launched on 12th October, the Government of Sri Lanka plans to cover 4,700 beneficiaries. Out of these, around 2,000 beneficiaries were awarded house ownership deeds during the ceremony.
The responsibility of allotment of land plots, issuance of relevant clearances, provision of amenities and finalization and endorsement of beneficiaries under IHP vests in the Government of Sri Lanka.
(Pics : President’s Media Division)
